More mushrooms for me

Intro

I interrupt the regularly schedule apple post to bring you an excursion in the woods. A heavy on photos light on words sort of a post that marks the – wait – what day is this? 6th post of 31. *gulp*

On Wednesday I went mushroom hunting. I really don’t know how I became so fortunate to once again have the chance to go foraging but I happily accepted the offer, packed my knife, camera, a few snacks to share and away I went.

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You may remember my last jaunt in the woods – I was giddy, gleeful and knew nothing of mushroom hunting. This trip was not much different except that it was now my second time. I knew, for the most part, what I was getting myself into.

I knew that the company would be delightfully warm and the excitement of the days agenda and our mutual love of all things edible would instantly bond us and guide our conversations.

I knew how to identify the King Bolete (a.k.a. Porcini). How the bulbous stems are reminiscent of Santa’s belly having seen its fair share of Christmas cookies. I remembered not to be alarmed when greeted by dozens of white crawling worms with black heads the size pin tips who were making a feast on MY Porcini. I knew that if we saw the brilliantly red colored Amanita Muscaria that resembles Toad from Mario Bros. – Porcini were likely nearby.

I knew that the Chanterelles are a striking yellow-orange similar to the fallen leaves that lay on the forest floor surrounding them. And that when I came home and sauteed them with onions, leeks, fennel and celeriac – I knew the house would smell of the same earthy fragrance that intoxicated me in the woods.

I am years away from becoming an expert – and likely I will never get there – for am I beyond happy to simply get outside in search of a delicious treasure in the midst of great people with a common passion who sure know how to pack a picnic.

Ashley, your mushroom adventures sound incomparably awesome! You are so lucky. Did they make you wear a blindfold this time?? Thank you for sharing the pictures of these mushrooms. I love the “before” and “after” ones of the mushrooms hiding under the dirt. So cool.

Gosh this sounds like so much fun. There are tons of mushrooms that I see in my garden and when I go hiking. Pity I don’t know a thing about mushrooms unlike you I don’t know of anyone who can tell me if they are edible or not.